10 Practical Things You Wish You Knew Before You Knew Them

In the illustrious words of Albert Einstein, “the only source of knowledge is experience.”

Experience is a funny little thing. It can mean knowing how to maximize your Chipotle burrito by 86%, or making an appointment at the DMV in advance. It allows you to truly understand the idiosyncrasies in life, necessary for taking away a slice of wisdom from each passing day. There are many lessons to be explored in these moments that may have us thinking, “if only I knew that before.” So, what is stopping you from knowing it now? While a wise man may say that knowledge is power, a wiser man will declare knowledge is experience— Here are ten tips you wish you knew, before you knew them.

Skip the Dreaded DMV Line“Wait time may exceed two hours.” You may be thinking, what did I possibly do to deserve this? As you stand in line for the length of an entire Harry Potter film, you get a sympathetic look from the young man that just stood in the “Appointment” line and was directly helped. In case you missed the PSA announcement, the DMV now offers online services for everything from renewing vehicle registration to duplicating driver licenses. Save yourself hours of frustration by making your appointment at the DMV website.

Not So Secret, Secret MenuFor those who have not been exposed to the sanctifying secret menus that leisurely lurk behind some of our most prized food and beverage joints, this one is for you. In-N-Out is notorious for having one of the most impressive secret menus which includes Animal style fries, Neapolitan shakes, Veggie Burgers, and the popular 3×3, 2×4, and 4×4’s. Other popular secret menu options at Jamba Juice include the White Gummy Bear, Skittles, and Fruity Pebbles smoothies. For more secret menu options, click here.

Coconut OilOnce you discover this little jar of magic, you won’t be able to imagine your life without it. You can use it as a natural moisturizer, mixed with brown sugar for the ultimate scrub that is perfect for treating skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris and psoriasis. Coconut oil can also be used as an all natural makeup remover, hydrating lip balm, and topical treatment for scars.

“Do you have any questions for me?”YES. The answer is always yes. Always come to an interview well-prepared to an answer this question. Although this may appear self-explanatory for experienced interviewers, many people do not understand the little trick behind this seemingly innocent question. Thus, what better way to make yourself stand out from other applicants than having a list of well thought out questions. Keep in mind that this is an opportunity for you to let your interviewer know what an eager, hungry, and excellent candidate you are for the position.

Maximize Your Chipotle by 86% for No Extra ChargeAll you have to do is ask— that means a double tortilla stuffed with both kinds of rice, black beans and pinto beans, two kinds of meat, and fajita veggies with corn salsa. Pro-tip- be sure to ask for seconds after the first is already served to ensure that each serving will be as sufficient as the first. Check out the logistics here.

ATM ScamsYou may have heard the cautionary tales of compromised credit cards and fraudulent activity due to faulty ATMs. The good news is that there are ways to protect yourself. Always cover your hand as you enter your pin, never re-enter your pin if your card happens to get stuck, and stay away from ATM machines you are unfamiliar with. As Biggie Small says, “If you don’t know, now you know.”

Dropbox, or any “Free” Trial Be careful when committing to a month long free trial because most trial services often end up charging your card when the time is up. Do not be fooled, you can very well be left with disputing a $750 unauthorized pending charge by Dropbox for a service you only used once. True Story.

That Extra Cookie Won't Kill YouYou've been on the healthy eating track all day and then you're faced with an irresistible, double chocolate chip cookie. While you can practice some self control and opt for a healthier alternative, life is too short to pretend you're happy with an all-bran muffin. Eat the damn cookie, you know you want it.

Never Disclose Previous Pay to EmployersWhile discussing salary can be uncomfortable and sometimes awkward, do not give in to the pressure of giving any information that does not pertain to the specific position. Refocus the question, talk ball park figures, and simply put down “negotiable” or “N/A” when asked in writing. This gives you room for negotiation. You should be valued according to an assessment of your skills and not based on a prior employer’s consideration of your worth.

Saltless Fries for a Fresher BatchThis insider tip is a brilliant way to get more bang for your buck. By simply ordering fries without the salt, you’re getting the maximum fry experience. While you may have to wait an extra five minutes, asking for saltless fries simply guarantees a fresh batch that has not been sitting under a heat lamp for a questionable amount of time.

Jasmine Ashoori holds a degree from the University of California Los Angeles in English and feels most excited about sunflowers and experimental poetry. She has written for Flaunt Magazine, The Culture Trip, and Life of Trends, among other platforms.